NOTE: This post contains slideshows and if you are reading it on your phone, it is best viewed direct from the SITE, rather than in the READER.
All photos taken on September 20, 2021
We awoke to a beautiful Victoria sunrise and after a quiet breakfast, set about planning our day.
Fada rose later and during breakfast suggested we visit the Finnerty Gardens on the University of Victoria grounds. We had never heard of the place, but knew this would be a difficult task, using a walker on the paths. Pat and I set off to pick up a wheelchair which we had already reserved.
Morning duties done and wheelchair in hand, we bundled everyone into the car and set off, arriving just before Noon.
The Finnerty Gardens were established in the 1970s as a public woodlot garden on a 2.7 hectare (6.5 acre) site on the university grounds. There are 500 varieties of rhododendrons and rhododendron hybrids on the grounds, as well as 1,600 trees and shrubs, mostly native to the area. The paths wind around 3 ponds and create a lovely setting.
(Source: Wikipedia)
Son B opted to be the wheelchair driver, so I could take photos and at times Grampa may have wished he had opted to buckle up his seatbelt. It was an enjoyable way to spend 2 hours.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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18 thoughts on “Road Trip – Finnerty Gardens – the Saunter”
Some excellent shots of the Finnerty Gardens and so nice to see you all looking so happy.
Thanks Marion. I was reminded this morning that we looked a bit grumpy in the first photo. Being in nature in the garden fixed that. Thanks for reading. Hope your day is going well. Allan
Love the name Finnerty Gardens, feels like it has an Irish lilt to it, maybe that’s just me. Enjoyed the photos as usual, though the spiderweb shots win top prize!
We kept looking for leprechauns, but never found any. That spider web was the size and kind that you were glad not to have walked into in a forest. I think the spider had been eating pretty well. Thanks for reading Leighton. Allan
As my Dad said when he was pushing me in a wheelchair in a hospital once, “Let’s not try to break any speed records here!” Since then, it’s become a common phrase if one of us has to push another in a wheelchair
That is a great story. Pushing a wheelchair is a real responsibility. My father-in-law said he wished he did not need to be pushed in a wheelchair. My reply was “Be glad that somebody volunteers to do it”. There is no shame in losing a step at 90. Thanks for reading. Allan
It is a responsibility, even if you are just wheeling someone out of a hospital. I recently wheeled my own mother out of the hospital and my attitude was, “Precious cargo here!” Having been pushed in a wheelchair and done it myself, I can understand why your father-in-law wishes he didn’t need it. 90 is an incredible age!
What a lovely place, Allan. I love how the landscaping is wonderfully natural with lots of trees, shrubs, plants and lovely streams and ponds along the trails throughout the gardens. I’d say there’s always something to see at any time of the year. Thanks for sharing, and have a nice day 🙂 Aiva
Looks like a lovely family stroll and a good way to see a variety of different plants and trees. The bamboo grove is pretty neat and I’m always such a fan of pond scum (even though it’s gross).
It was a real treat to visit these gardens. I am with you on the bamboo grove. An amazing plant that grows phenomenally fast. And pond scum is fascinating, provided you do not have to swim or wade i it. Thanks for reading and commenting. Happy Thursday. Allan
It was Scott. All is well here. We have settled into a routine as the string of good fall days plays out. No snow here yet, but seems it is falling in other less likely places. How about you. Things OK? Thanks for reading. Allan
Picture This 
Some excellent shots of the Finnerty Gardens and so nice to see you all looking so happy.
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Thanks Marion. I was reminded this morning that we looked a bit grumpy in the first photo. Being in nature in the garden fixed that. Thanks for reading. Hope your day is going well. Allan
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Love the name Finnerty Gardens, feels like it has an Irish lilt to it, maybe that’s just me. Enjoyed the photos as usual, though the spiderweb shots win top prize!
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We kept looking for leprechauns, but never found any. That spider web was the size and kind that you were glad not to have walked into in a forest. I think the spider had been eating pretty well. Thanks for reading Leighton. Allan
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As my Dad said when he was pushing me in a wheelchair in a hospital once, “Let’s not try to break any speed records here!” Since then, it’s become a common phrase if one of us has to push another in a wheelchair
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a great story. Pushing a wheelchair is a real responsibility. My father-in-law said he wished he did not need to be pushed in a wheelchair. My reply was “Be glad that somebody volunteers to do it”. There is no shame in losing a step at 90. Thanks for reading. Allan
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It is a responsibility, even if you are just wheeling someone out of a hospital. I recently wheeled my own mother out of the hospital and my attitude was, “Precious cargo here!” Having been pushed in a wheelchair and done it myself, I can understand why your father-in-law wishes he didn’t need it. 90 is an incredible age!
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I didn’t know about this garden, Victoria’s climate is so suited to maintaining beautiful gardens.
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First time I heard of it too. A wonderful small garden with the feel of a much bigger one. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Looks like an interesting place – probably a local hidden gem. I also think it has a real Irish ring to it.
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Definitely sounds Irish. It is located on Finnerty Road, as well. Thanks for reading Bernie. Allan
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What a lovely place, Allan. I love how the landscaping is wonderfully natural with lots of trees, shrubs, plants and lovely streams and ponds along the trails throughout the gardens. I’d say there’s always something to see at any time of the year. Thanks for sharing, and have a nice day 🙂 Aiva
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The Friends of Finnerty have done a wonderful job maintaining this place. I would love to see it when the rhodies are in bloom. Allan
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Looks like a lovely family stroll and a good way to see a variety of different plants and trees. The bamboo grove is pretty neat and I’m always such a fan of pond scum (even though it’s gross).
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It was a real treat to visit these gardens. I am with you on the bamboo grove. An amazing plant that grows phenomenally fast. And pond scum is fascinating, provided you do not have to swim or wade i it. Thanks for reading and commenting. Happy Thursday. Allan
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That looks like a great experience. Thanks for sharing. I hope all is well.
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It was Scott. All is well here. We have settled into a routine as the string of good fall days plays out. No snow here yet, but seems it is falling in other less likely places. How about you. Things OK? Thanks for reading. Allan
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Yep, I think things are OK. Thanks for asking 🙂
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